Stop the unfair ticketing of these New York bicyclists

In the next few days, New York State could be making an important vote for bicycling. The vote relates to electric bikes (“e-bikes”), which currently are considered “low powered motorcycles” by state law.

Today, New Yorkers who ride e-bikes are shocked to learn that they may receive unregistered motor vehicle or unlicensed operation violations for riding a bicycle that cannot be ridden faster than 20 mph. Some e-bike riders report receiving hundreds of dollars in violations just for riding a bike!

Even if you don’t own or ride an e-bike yourself, this vote is important for all New Yorkers who bicycle—and all New Yorkers who benefit from more people traveling by bike.

Pedal-assist e-bikes are a type of transportation that should be encouraged and supported in New York. Their use should be made fully legal. E-bike owners ride (instead of drive) for a variety of short, practical trips and many use their bikes for recreation. When this happens, cities and towns benefit in several important ways—reduced road congestion, better air quality, and happier, healthier citizens.